Former Chippa United coach Luc Eymael believes Nigeria will struggle to overcome hosts Morocco when the two sides meet in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a confident 2-0 win over Algeria, while Morocco edged past Cameroon by the same scoreline to set up a heavyweight showdown in Rabat. Yet, despite Nigeria’s impressive run, Eymael is convinced the balance tilts in favour of the Atlas Lions.

“They will lose to Morocco,” Eymael told Flashscore. “Before AFCON, DR Congo beat Nigeria, and now they will be playing against a very good Morocco side who are playing their best football so far.”

Eymael pointed to Morocco’s home advantage as a decisive factor, with the hosts expected to be backed by a vocal crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

“Morocco will be playing at home, the crowd will be behind them, and the players know what is at stake,” he said. “It won’t be an easy game for Nigeria. It won’t be a high-scoring match, but both teams will score, and Morocco will definitely qualify for the final.”

The Belgian coach also questioned Nigeria’s attacking balance, suggesting the Super Eagles rely too heavily on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

“Nigeria depends too much on Victor and Ademola,” he said. “If Morocco manage to close down these two players and shut them down completely, Nigeria will have nowhere to hide.”

Eymael referenced Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo, where Osimhen and Lookman were effectively neutralised before Osimhen was forced off through injury.

“They didn’t shine in that game,” he added. “If Morocco prevent Osimhen and Lookman from playing properly, Nigeria will not be Nigeria anymore.”

However, he acknowledged that Nigeria still possess other threats, singling out midfielder Alex Iwobi for praise.

“The third very dangerous player for Nigeria is Alex Iwobi,” Eymael said. “He is having a great AFCON.”

Nigeria and Morocco will face off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday, with a place in the final against either Senegal or Egypt at stake. As opinions divide ahead of kick-off, the semi-final promises to be a tense and finely balanced contest between two of Africa’s biggest footballing nations.